HARRY HICKTON TO MAKE JCW DEBUT WITH EXCELR8

Harry Hickton will make his debut in the headline JCW category of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this weekend after signing up with EXCELR8 for the season finale.

Hickton, who currently sits second in the Trophy standings with one round left to run, will step into the car that is normally raced by Dan Zelos after his graduation into the British Touring Car Championship for the final three meetings of the year.

Zelos has already taken an unassailable lead in the championship standings as, by virtue of not competing in the JCW this weekend, his advantage at the top is extended to 186 points with a maximum of 174 still available.

Hickton’s graduation into the JCW field for the weekend comes on the back of an impressive second season in the Cooper class with Westbourne Motorsport, with the teenager having been a championship contender from round one at Snetterton where he scored two wins from the three races.

Further wins followed at Pembrey and Donington Park, the latter on a weekend where the 18-year-old produced an astonishing performance to come from 20th on the grid in the final race to finish on the podium.

Hickton will now hope to follow in the footsteps of former Cooper team-mate Max Hall, who took up a similar guest drive at Brands Hatch last season as a pre-cursor to a full time move up to the MINI CHALLENGE’s headline category.

“I’ve never even sat in a JCW before, so this weekend is going to be a big challenge,” he said. “My main objective has to be to learn as much as possible about the car and the championship, which is going to be totally different to my Cooper, and I can’t wait to get out on track and get started.

“Getting this deal in place has been very chaotic over the last few days and I’m incredibly thankful to EXCELR8 for the opportunity to race at Brands Hatch, and also to Dan for trusting me to race his car in the season finale.

“I also have to thank the sponsors that have invested in me and trusted me to represent them for this weekend, as without the support of Paul Castle Associates, Platform Lift Company, Hysons Chartered Accountants and AKFS, this wouldn’t be possible.

“Having always raced in front-wheel drive cars and traditionally been quite quick at getting up to speed, I’m hopeful of putting on a competitive showing considering the circumstances and the fact that I’m going to be lacking track time.

“Although we don’t race on the GP layout in the Coopers, I’ve driven it this season in some pretty quick machinery and it’s a circuit that I love, so I’m confident I can put on a good show.”

EXCELR8 Team Owner Justina Williams said she was excited to see what Hickton could do in a JCW car.

“Harry has been one of the stand out drivers in a very competitive Cooper class this season and we are pleased to give him the chance to step up into a JCW this weekend,” she said.

“Dan’s move up to the BTCC meant we needed to bring in someone for the weekend and it’s fantastic that we’re able to give the opportunity to a youngster who is already part of the MINI CHALLENGE ‘family’.

“Although it will be an all-new experience for him, I have no doubt that Harry can produce the goods on track this weekend and show what he is capable of.”